powerful tool for understanding self and others

The Enneagram is a richly layered system for identifying and working with your own and other's personalities. It has been the single most helpful tool I've ever encountered for figuring out how to quickly and precisely connect with others--be they friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances. A powerful code for navigating the interpersonal realm with compassion and wisdom. Helen's presentation of the Enneagram is clear, concise, and meaningful. I've listened to this book 3 or 4 times--and learn something new each time I listen. It's deeper and more nuanced than Myers-Briggs. Highly recommended.

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42 people found this helpful

useful information, but...

Palmer details and explains very clearly the Enneagram, providing what seems like sound historical and psychological background to the tool as well. This is not a new age fad, but a comprehnsive tool for self-understanding and better understanding of those you know well. It takes more work than simpler, more faddish systems (such as understanding "colors.")

But content expert that she is, Palmer's delivery is deadly dull. It took me almost two years and several attempts to get through her explanations. I think other Enneagram teachers do a better job of engaging the listener, even if their presentations may not be as in-depth (especially Richard Rohr, who is unforunately not available on Audible).

If you are new to the Enneagram, you might want to find a quick overview to establish a mental framework before taking on Palmer's instruction.

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41 people found this helpful

good if you want an overview

As a lover of audiobooks, I have come to understand that books like this are not useful if you have any thought of referring to the information again. If you want to listen to it as an overview, it's good. If you want to LEARN the enneagram, unless you have a prodigious memory, you will be better off with a regular book. I know something about the Enneagram and I believe this is well written but I found it hard to listen to lengthy details without mentally drifting.

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14 people found this helpful

I found a lot value and help in this book

I am glad I bought this book. I wish I had it two years earlier.
While I occassionally wish the author said more about this or that, I find there is so much useful information in this book that I keep coming back to it again and again for increased self-awareness and for insight in my relationships.
I have found the paper version a helpful resource (or online info) since I need the visualization of the circle of the nine types and the directions of movent between them in times of stress or security.
I hope the publisher releases a pdf download to suppliment the audio.

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8 people found this helpful

Undiluted Wisdom

I am a 5. This satiated my appetite for knowledge and gave me a practical way to transform my vices into virtues.

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7 people found this helpful

Good info, Horrible narration

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Probably not unless they are really interested in the information. It is good info, but the affectation of the narrator makes it almost unbearable. It would probably be better to buy the book.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I wanted to slit my wrists after the first 3 minutes. The narrator, who is also the author, was like a cross between Ben Stein's economics teacher character in Ferris Bueller and Charles Winchester from M*A*S*H. She was desperately monotonous, yet came off as pretentious and condescending. It is presented like a sonorously mind numbing 9 hour seminar rather than the highly informative audio book it could have been. The saddest part is it is all interesting information if you can somehow stay awake through it all. Seriously though, buy the book instead and don't listen to this while driving.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No.

Any additional comments?

There is some very weird, creepy, out of place music at the beginning and end of each chapter. What is that about?

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4 people found this helpful

Understandable and Enlightening

This Audio Book is brilliant. The Enneagram provides a rich tool with which to better understand yourself and other special people in your life. I only wish I had come across it years ago !!

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4 people found this helpful

Thoughtful, Careful, Engaging

Any additional comments?

When I listened to the sample recording segment posted with this title, I was a bit doubtful about the reading as performed by the author. However, having listened to the first hour, I have become very appreciative.I find Helen Palmer's voice and elocution pleasant enough, but, more importantly, the slow pace of her presentation allows me time to savor and absorb the content. Also, some listeners might benefit, as I do, from the, in this instance, natural and central use of pronouns and examples reflecting female experience.

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2 people found this helpful

Both Thumbs Down

1. Narration is dismal and slow. 2. Feminist viewpoint throughout 3. Bumper music between thoughts were long and pathetic

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1 person found this helpful

Good, but narration is lacking

Good information. I think the reader read way too slowly, so I listened at a faster speed.

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1 person found this helpful